NEW DELHI - India-U.S. cultural relations would be further strengthened and museums are likely to play a key role, U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma said on Tuesday. Talking to IANS, Verma said he had discussions with Indian Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma on the issue. "We will be taking the Indo-U.S. cultural relationship further. I have spoken to the minister of culture and there is something we can do on museums.

We can explore more," he said Verma. The envoy was talking at the sidelines of the inauguration of "Cosmology to Cartography: A Cultural Journey of Indian Maps", an exhibition organized by the National Museum. Confirming the initiative, the minister said that talks are underway to strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries. "We are taking Indo-U.S. cultural relationship to the next level and talks are on in this regard. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi will be travelling to the US in three or four month's time," he said adding that details will be revealed later. Verma, who took charge in January 2015, said that it has been a wonderful experience. "I have completed over six months in office and it has been a terrific experience so far," he said.The ambassador added that his interest in cartography started at a young age. "I was always interested in maps as a young kid. This collection is terrific and it gives a great sense of history and art. Every map tells a story. I will recommend all the American tourists a visit to the museum," he said.